QCC DAN 111 Syllabus
Professor:
Department:
Health, Physical Education and Dance
Course:
DAN 111 Introduction to the Art of Dance
Hours & Credits:
3 class hours, 3 credits
Course Description:
A study of dance as an art form. Includes an introduction to theories and styles of dance from
primitive cultures to avant-garde. Relationship of dance to music, fine art, and theater discussed
and clarified through film showings, selected readings, and attendance at dance performances.
No previous experience required.
Curricula For Which This Course Is Required:
May be used to fulfill requirements for graduation in the Liberal Arts and Sciences degree
programs (A.A. and A.S.), and certain others. May also be used to fulfill elective credits in
liberal arts and sciences.
Educational Objectives:
Educational Objective
A. Communicate effectively
through viewing dance, writing,
listening, and speaking
B. Apply aesthetic and
intellectual criteria in the
evaluation or creation of works
in the humanities or the arts
C. Integrate knowledge and
skills in their program of study.
Brief description of course activities which help students
to meet each of the educational objectives
Students are required to attend two dance concerts and write
two reaction papers in response to the concerts.
Students view a multiplicity of dance films from a variety of
genres throughout history and are asked to respond to a
series of questions to interpret and asses the similarities and
differences between forms. After having learned the canon of
western concert dance, students are asked to view a more
contemporary piece of choreography to evaluate how the
historic work influences the newer work. They must present
examples to support their conclusions.
Students view DVDs of choreography and are asked to
discuss and interpret the meaning in relationship to the
choreographer's intent. Through mid-terms and final exams,
students must demonstrate knowledge of different
choreographic points of view and creative processes
presented during the course.
Course Objectives: Desired Student Learning
1. To introduce the student to Western Dance (Ballet & Modern) as a means of communication
as an art form.
2. To stimulate intellectual curiosity about dance history.
3. To evaluate and write critically about dance performances
4. To develop an awareness of choreographic forms, styles and creative spirit.
5. To enrich the student’s knowledge of the related arts, i.e. music and the visual arts.
6. To enable the student to better enjoy, appreciate and understand a dance performance as a
spectator.
Student Learning Outcomes
Course Objectives
1. To introduce the student to Western
Dance (Ballet & Modern) as a means of
communication as an art form.
2. To stimulate intellectual curiosity about
dance history.
3. To evaluate and write critically about
dance performances
4. To develop an awareness of
choreographic forms, styles and creative
spirit.
5. To enrich the student’s knowledge of the
related arts, i.e. music and the visual arts.
6. To enable the student to better enjoy,
appreciate and understand a dance
performance as a spectator.
Learning Outcomes
Students view a multiplicity of dance films from
a variety of genres throughout history and are
asked to respond to a series of questions to
interpret and asses the similarities and differences
between forms.
After having learned the canon of western concert
dance, students are asked to view a more
contemporary piece of choreography to evaluate
how the historic work influences the newer work.
They must present examples to support their
conclusions.
Students are required to attend two dance
concerts and write two reaction papers in
response to the concerts.
Students view DVDs of choreography and are
asked to discuss and interpret the meaning in
relationship to the choreographer's intent.
Through mid-terms and final exams, students
must demonstrate knowledge of different
choreographic points of view and creative
processes presented during the course.
Students evaluate audience and dance critics'
responses to choreographers' work both verbally
and in written form.
Summary of Main Topics Covered in the Course:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Renaissance
Romanticism
Russian Imperialism
Diaghilev
American Ballet
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Isadora Duncan/Denishawn
Martha Graham
Merce Cunningham
Twyla Tharp/Post-Modernism
Alvin Ailey/Paul Taylor – Modern Dance Today
Attendance Policy:
In accordance with the College Policy, a student who has more than two absences at the end of
the course will receive a WU. Students are expected to arrive on time and be present for the
lecture and video portions of the class – there is no partial attendance credit. There are no
excused absences.
Methods By Which Student Learning Will Be Evaluated:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance at two Professional Dance Performances (Dance Residency Series at QCC)
Two written critiques of dance performances
One paper involving research
Mid-term and Final Exams
Grading Standards:
A grade of A is given for superlative work that demonstrates a profound commitment to the course
material, and further, that goes on to employ this material as a springboard for independent thought and
work.
A grade of B is given for very good work that completely fulfills all the requirements of the course in a
conscientious and dedicated manner, and that demonstrates mastery of the course content.
A grade of C is given for work that fulfills all the requirements of the course in a satisfactory manner, but
that falls short of demonstrating rigor and mastery.
A grade of D is given for work that is unsatisfactory.
A grade of F is given for work that fails to fulfill the requirements of the course as listed above
Academic Integrity:
Forms of Academic Integrity Violations
Violations of academic integrity can occur in a number of ways. Acts of academic dishonesty
include (the complete listing with definitions and examples is included in the main body of the
QCC Academic Integrity code):
A. Plagiarism – the inclusion of someone else’s words, ideas or data as one’s own work
without acknowledging the source.
B. Fabrication – the use of invented information or the falsification of research or other
findings.
C. Cheating – an act or an attempted act of deception by which students seek to misrepresent
that they have mastered information on an academic exercise that they have not mastered.
D. Academic Misconduct – any act to gain an undue academic benefit for oneself or to cause
academic harm to another.
E. Any other serious violations of academic integrity as established by the professor.